Scott Knuteson

Jeremy Blume

Time Magazine names Billy and Franklin Graham Among Most Influential Evangelicals

Aug. 1, 2005—

Billy and Franklin Graham have the distinction of being the only father-son duo mentioned in Time magazine’s list of the most influential evangelicals in America. At 86, Billy Graham—often referred to as “America’s Preacher”—recently prayed during inauguration ceremonies for President George W. Bush. While his father was in Washington for the inauguration, Franklin Graham was touring South Asia where his international aid organization, Samaritan’s Purse, has committed more than $13 million in life-saving support to tsunami victims. In addition to his relief work in more than 100 countries, Franklin Graham, who serves as president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, is planning high-energy, evangelistic festivals this year in Tasmania, Australia, and Texas.